Thread: New 250amp Multi Mig Invertor Welder

Originally Posted by Turpy

Hi There, I've just purchased a new Uni-Mig 250 amp welder. Theres no plug with it, but suggests using it on a 32amp circuit, single phase.
Until now, I've never heard of 32amp plugs and sockets. In the past I've used welders on 15amp power points, and I no my wiring for these is 6mm.
Anyone no if a 15amp plug would be ok?
Thanks in advantce

Hi ,
The circuit rating refers to the circuit breaker capacity. You can use a 20 amp outlet with 6mm copper and a 32 amp breaker depending on install method of the cable (your sparky will advise). A 15 amp GPO would be insufficient as you have a 250 amp welder and no doubt you do plan to use it at max amps so the 15 amp gpo will get a crackly switch very quickly.

There's a 32 amp single phase plug and socket on ebay at the moment,

Clipsal 32A single phase 56C332 and 56P332 plug | eBay

Hope this helps
Pete

Thanks for your reply Pete. Just trying to work out costs, you said 6mm cable depending on installation, what does that mean? What would the rating be for 6mm cable?
Thanks again

I'm a sparky by trade so I might be able to help, 15amp outlets only get wired in 2.5mm cable but must be on there own circuits, I would go a 20amp single socket and plug that needs to be wired in 4mm cable on it's own circuit, that ebay listing for the 32amp plug is dirt cheap as that combination is worth hundreds of dollars, if you can get it for under $100 you will be well ahead but will need to be wired in 6mm cable.
Cheers

Thanks for that. Pity that the ebay listing has gone.
Anyway what you said sounds good, I have a sub main board in the garage, which connects to the main meter box with 6mm tps.
Sound like I'll only need a sparky to run a seperate cable of 6mm from the sub main to a 34amp socket and fit a 32amp circuit breaker.
I was thinking about taking the 250 welder back and downsizing to a 200amp.

Yeah thats all you need, depending on how much the welder needs to move a more cost effective solution is to hard wire it, you will save hundreds if you don't have to buy the 32 amp plug and socket, you can still have a tail to reach anywhere in the workshop.
Cheers

You've been most helpfull, thank you. Can you buy 32amp extension cords, just so I have a little more flexability?

No, you will have to have one made up, any sparky can make one but again the socket ends are super expensive, you are best off making the lead on the machine very long so it can reach anywhere in your workshop.
Cheers

Originally Posted by Turpy

Thanks for your reply Pete. Just trying to work out costs, you said 6mm cable depending on installation, what does that mean? What would the rating be for 6mm cable?
Thanks again

You take into account how it is installed,. If it is in a roof space under thermal insulation or whether it is in a conduit buried in the ground or even strung as an arial conductor to the garage. All of these situations affect the current carrying capacity of the conductor. Typically 40Amp breakers are max for 6mm but your sparky will work out what is best.

Like stumper said an extension lead is a good idea. You can even have a 32 amp outlet installed beneath your switchboard and use a 2C+E 4mm flex cable as the lead if a permanent install is too expensive.

Cheers
Pete

Thanks Pete. Where would be the best place tp buy an extension cord, and what would the best size be?

Originally Posted by Turpy

Thanks Pete. Where would be the best place tp buy an extension cord, and what would the best size be?

You can buy the 2C+E (Two core and earth) at any electrical wholesaler such as J R Turks, TLE Electrical, Lawrence & Hansen. Also keep an eye out on flebay but make sure it is flex cord and not just multistrand cable. Flex cord is designed to be used as a lead.

Cheers
Pete